Core modules

Academic English Skills supports students to develop their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, with a particular focus on the language uses that will prove most useful throughout their studies at Durham University. This critical module runs throughout each term at the International Study Centre, and features particular emphasis on grammar and language skills for those requiring a boost in this area, whilst also allowing able students to stretch themselves in their written and spoken work.

This module seeks to improve confidence in algebraic manipulation through the study of mathematical techniques and development of investigative skills. The module will also introduce and develop a knowledge of logarithms and their uses, furthermore introducing and developing a knowledge of trigonometry. Students will be introduced to and develop an understanding of a range of standard techniques for differentiation and integration, and the module will include trigonometric and logarithmic functions.

This module will allow students to pursue and develop subject specific interests, and encourages students to work independently with supervision in some depth. This module will also allow students to develop methods of research and analysis appropriate to their specific progression route.

This module will support students to develop a critical understanding of organisations and the markets they serve, taking into account the internal workings and management of organisations. It will also work to raise awareness of the diversity of perspectives on business behaviour (customer, manager, creditor, owner, employee, etc). Students can expect to have outlined some of the economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues surrounding business activity. There will also be a focus on exploring the current structure of business and business practice. Students will acquire a range of key skills, including decision making and problem-solving.

This module will introduce and develop understanding of basic statistical principles to provide a foundation for future study. It will also develop skills that help students to apply statistical tools to real life problems. Ultimately this module will encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in statistics.

This module looks to provide students with a background in academic conventions and expectations in Business to prepare them to join the Community of Practice of their chosen discipline; The module also aspires: to provide students with a grounding in study skills and their supporting technology; to support students in developing an academic voice; and to develop critical analysis.

This module looks to encourage students to think sociologically; to stimulate the ‘sociological’ imagination. It will introduce a foundational bank of social science knowledge, paradigms and themes, and it will also provide a framework of academic and analytical skills upon which students can build either in further directed study or by the process of self-study. The module will above all develop confidence and students’ learning and assessment skills.

Designated modules

Alongside core modules you will study designated modules that relate to your progression degree route. When you successfully complete this pathway and achieve the required grades, you can begin your undergraduate degree at Durham University.

This module will improve confidence in algebraic manipulation through the study of mathematical techniques and development of investigative skills. The course aims to introduce and develop understanding of a range of standard techniques for integration to include trigonometric and logarithmic functions. An opportunity will also be made available for students to engage in logical reasoning, algorithmic thinking and applications A knowledge of matrices and their applications will be introduced and developed, along with.complex numbers, and the concept of linear programming.

Academic Practice for Social Sciences

This module looks to provide students with a background in academic conventions and expectations in Social Science to prepare them to join the Community of Practice of their chosen discipline. The module also aspires: to provide students with a grounding in study skills and their supporting technology; to support students in developing an academic voice; and to develop critical analysis.

Introduction to Modern History

This module looks to develop knowledge and understanding of selected periods of Modern History as well as the nature of historical sources and the methods used by historians. Students will also gain familiarity with and develop a critical perspective of differing interpretations of historical problems and alternative and conflicting sources of evidence.

Calculus and Further Maths with Statistics and Strategic Maths

This module will prepare students for their further studies, providing the opportunity for students to engage in logical reasoning, algorithmic thinking and applications of standard mathematical techniques. It will extend knowledge of the standard trigonometrical functions and inverses, also introducing and developing a knowledge of matrices and their applications. The module should extend understanding of a range of standard techniques for differentiation and integration. In addition students will be introduced to standard statistical techniques.

Progression degrees

When you successfully complete your International Foundation Year and achieve the required grades, you can progress to one of the following undergraduate degrees at Durham City: